FOR THE RECORD: President Bush's statement on Chornobyl's
20th anniversary

Following is the text of President George W. Bush's statement on the
20th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster. It was released on April 25
by the Embassy of the United States in Ukraine.

On the 20th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, I join my
fellow Americans in expressing our deepest condolences for this tragedy.
Today, we remember the victims of this horrible accident and recognize those
who still suffer great hardship in its aftermath.

By closing Chornobyl more than five years ago, a free Ukraine removed
an environmental threat built by an oppressive government, created the circumstances
for a safer and more prosperous region, and acted with courage in the march
of democracy. I appreciate the people around the world who continue to show
their compassion for those still suffering in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus,
and I reaffirm America's commitment to the ongoing effort to improve the
safety and security of Chornobyl by confining its nuclear reactor.

On this solemn anniversary, we pay tribute to the lives lost and the
communities hurt in the devastation following the disaster at Chornobyl.
We are encouraged as the people of Ukraine and neighboring regions resolve
to rise again and reclaim a future of hope and dignity.